“Pretzel Und Beer!" Stacy is Back at Must-Do Disney
The queen of "Must-Dos" is finally home! After years of generic resort loops, Stacy J. Aswad has returned to Walt Disney World. Join us as we dive into the deep 2000s nostalgia of those iconic TV loops and why Disney's latest move is a win for every millennial fan.
If you visited Walt Disney World anytime between roughly 2005 and the late 2010s, you know the ritual.
Stacy J. Aswad will host an all-new "Must-Dos" resort TV loop at Walt Disney World
You finally arrive at your resort hotel. You are hot, tired from travel, and desperate to drop your bags. You open the door to your room—whether it was All-Star Movies or the Grand Floridian—and the rush of industrial-strength air conditioning hits you. You find the remote, and immediately turn on the TV.
You don't look for the news. You don't look for cartoons. You look for The Channel.
And there she was. Stacy!
When the news dropped recently that Disney is bringing back Stacy J. Aswad to host an all-new "Must-Dos" resort TV loop, I am not embarrassed to admit I audibly gasped.
For a specific generation of Disney travelers—my generation—Stacy was an unofficial member of our family vacation.
She wasn't just a TV host telling us to go ride Soarin’; she was the ambient soundtrack of our entire trip.
The nostalgia hits me like a ton of bricks just thinking about it. It’s the mid-2000s. We are running on coffee and paper FastPasses (that were free by the way).
The parks felt a little simpler then, a little more spontaneous. And the anchor of it all was that hotel room TV loop.
We left the TV on 24/7. I’m serious. We’d wake up, and Stacy would be there, standing awkwardly with Goofy, getting us hyped for rope drop. We’d come back for a midday nap, the room freezing cold and dark, and her energetic voice would act as a comforting nightlight.
We’d fall asleep at night after fireworks to the gentle glow of her eating a pretzle in Germany at Epcot.
We knew that loop by heart. We anticipated every line. We shouted them at the screen.
“There doesn’t seem to be any track!”
"It’s a spicy meatball!" “There doesn’t seem to be any track!” The way she emphasized getting soaked on Splash Mountain.
The sheer enthusiasm for everything from thrill rides to relaxing by the pool.
It was cheesy, yes. It was incredibly repetitive, absolutely. But it was ours. It was a shared language among Disney fans.
If you knew about the "Stacy loop," you were part of the club.
When Disney quietly phased her out a few years ago for more generic, polished promotional loops, the resort experience lost a little bit of its soul.
The rooms felt quieter. The new loops were informative, sure, but they lacked that quirky, earnest energy that Stacy brought.
They felt like commercials; Stacy felt like a friend giving you advice.
That is why her return is such a brilliant move by Disney right now.
Lately, it feels like Disney is finally understanding the assignment when it comes to nostalgia. They are realizing that the 2000s are distant enough now to be cherished. Even the 2026 merch has that early 2000’s look, you can see a preview here.
They seem to understand that many of us are longing for a time at the parks when things felt like they were just working well.
A time before park reservations and complicated apps, when the magic felt a little more accessible.
By bringing Stacy back, Disney is tapping directly into that vein of positive memory. It’s a small gesture, practically speaking—it’s just a TV loop in a hotel room. But emotionally? It’s huge.
It’s Disney saying, "We know you miss the vibe of that era. We miss it too. Here’s a piece of it back."
It’s comforting. It’s familiar. And honestly, it’s just fun.
I don't know what the new loop will look like. I assume the video quality will be better than the standard-definition fuzz of 2008.
But I hope the energy is exactly the same.
It’s good to have her back.
About Darren:
Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber who specializes in helping travelers make the most of their Orlando vacations to Disney World, Universal Orlando, Cruises and more. Watch his latest videos and travel guides on YouTube: Orlando Parks Guy.
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Tags: Stacy J. Aswad, Stacey Disney World, Must-Do Disney, Disney World Resort TV loop, Disney nostalgia 2000s, Walt Disney Worlds campaign 2026, Top 7 Must Sees.
What Happened to Magical Vacations Travel?
I spent 20 years building my career with Magical Vacations Travel. Now, the owner is allegedly closing the company and keeping over $200,000 in commissions that belong to me and my fellow agents. This is my story of betrayal, the active FBI probe, and why Disney is still paying her.
Investigators Examine Owner’s Finances Amid Possible Fraud Claims
For over 20 years, I proudly worked as a part-time travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel (MVT), a New Jersey-based agency owned by Michele DeNofa. It was a good run—two decades of helping families plan unforgettable trips. My work was structured around earned commissions, a standard practice in the industry: I would make the booking, the supplier (like Disney or Royal Caribbean) would pay MVT the commission, and MVT, in turn, would pay me.
In 2024, however, the foundation of that trust began to crack. Agents, including myself, started noticing a troubling pattern: commissions we had earned were not being paid.
And in September 2025, the owner announced she would be closing Magical Vacations Travel.
The Promise of a Smooth Exit
The travel agents were told that there was a solution in place — our bookings and clients could be transitioned to another host agency, Keys to the Castle Travel, with minimal disruption.
For me, this was a good time to retire. I spent 2 decades working as a travel advisor, part-time, in addition to being a teacher (full-time). Today, I make travel videos for YouTube.
Unpaid Commissions and Ongoing Disputes
Despite assisting with the transition and completing work for clients, many former MVT agents did not receive commission payments they believe were owed to them.
Based on records shared among agents, the total amount of unpaid commissions is estimated to exceed $200,000, though this figure has not yet been resolved through the courts.
From our perspective, these funds were never formally released to us, nor were we clearly informed that payment would not occur.
As a result, the travel agents believe they were wrongfully denied compensation for completed travel bookings.
Why this is Especially Bad
Many of my clients booked cruise travel through me.
As part of my agreement with the agency, I was required to offer onboard credits to most clients, which meant I agreed to give up a portion of my anticipated commission as a booking incentive.
Ms. DeNofa required me to fund those onboard credits myself, upfront.
I was never paid the commissions I had earned on those bookings, so the onboard credit came entirely out of my own pocket.
Basically, I paid other people to go on a cruise, totaling thousands of dollars.
I would never receive my commission from their bookings.
A note to travel agents: If you work for a travel agency that requires you to spend your own money on onboard credits, rethink that policy!
The agency should pay your onboard credit, and subtract it from the commission.
Law Enforcement Takes Notice
As of right now, there are several enforcement agencies looking into this matter. I have been asked to submit evidence and write several statements as to how I have been affected personally.
In my latest conversations with Ms. DeNofa, she agreed to take over my client’s reservations for the remainder of 2025 and 2026, and would split the commissions with me starting in September 2025.
I have yet to receive any of those commission payments from her.
This article reflects my personal experience and opinions. All allegations described are disputed unless otherwise stated. No criminal wrongdoing has been proven in court as of the time of publication.
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Abandoned: What Happened to the Orlando Sun Resort
Sitting right outside the gates of Walt Disney World and Celebration, the Orlando Sun Resort was once a modern marvel. Today, it sits in ruins. Explore the history of this "mega-resort," from its origins as the Hyatt Orlando to its sudden 2012 closure and its current state as an eerie landmark on US-192.
The abandoned Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center sits right outside the entrance to Walt Disney World Resort and the Disney-created Town of Celebration, less than a mile from my house. I pass by it every day and have been fascinated by it since moving here.
How could a hotel in such a prime location fail? What happened here? What went wrong? What’s next for this mega-resort complex?
Orlando Sun Resort Entrance off US-192 in Kissimmee, Florida
There couldn’t be a more convenient location for an off-property hotel outside of Walt Disney World. It’s probably the most valuable piece of land in the Orlando area, located on the corner of I-4, US-192 and the main entrance to Disney.
And yet is has been abandoned since 2012.
The Slow Death of Kissimmee, Florida
US-192, also known as Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, intersects with I-4 and World Drive, the main artery that runs through Walt Disney World.
In the 1970s and 1980s, 192 was a thriving tourist area, both sides of the 6-lane roadway were lined with hotels, chain restaurants like IHOP and Denny’s, and Disney souvenir shops.
Entrance to the orlando Run Resort. Tennis courts on the left side, main lobby straight ahead.
For many, staying in Kissimmee was the only option as Disney had a limited number of hotels, and they were often sold out.
Kissimmee was a much-needed hotel district that supported Disney World.
Orlando Sun is located at the corner of US192, I-4, and less than a 1/4 mile from entrance to Walt Disney World
In the 1990s Disney began ramping up construction on several new hotels.
Budget-friendly hotels like Disney’s All Stars Resort and moderately priced resorts like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort were not only affordable but convenient.
With these new hotels, guests could stay on Disney property, use Disney transportation, and enjoy a number of exclusive perks.
The hotels on 192 soon began to die a slow death from that point forward.
Tourists were starting to become victims of crime often targeted for their rental cars. Rental cars had a particular letter/number combination on their license plates and criminals used this to target them. The story made national news.
Then, then the area suffered a major tourism crash following 9/11. It would be the final blow.
Many hotels in Kissimmee shuttered for good or sold out to time-share companies.
What happened to the Orlando Sun Resort?
The hotel was built in 1972 by the Carolando Corporation, owned by a small group of North Carolina investors who saw an opportunity to build a hotel complex right outside of the soon-to-be-built Walt Disney World in the late 1960s.
It was to include thousands of hotel rooms, restaurants, a convention center, and the tallest observation tower in Florida.
The observation tower, if completed, would have been the tallest building in Florida. Walt Disney World property is the white-shaded area on the left side of the photo.
But Carlando soon hit serious financial trouble and less than a year into the project, they sold the property to the Hyatt Corporation. Hyatt finished building over 3,400 hotel rooms and the convention center, but never built the tower.
Like abandoned content? Check out my video on YouTube: Abandoned Disney World Part 3
It was renamed the Hyatt Orlando Resort.
Hyatt operated the hotel for several years as a budget-friendly, modern resort and convention center but like most hotels in the area, it struggled to get heads in the beds in early to mid 1990s.
By 2002, Hyatt Orlando Resort was in serious financial trouble.
Kissimmee’s tourism economy was collapsing rapidly and those visiting Walt Disney World opted to stay on Disney property.
Attempts were made to revitalize the 192 corridor with business grants, new public transportation options and a crackdown on crime.
But on September 12, 2003, Hyatt suddenly closed its doors permanently, without notice to guests or employees. They literally told guests to be out by noon that day and few got refunds.
The hotel was later purchased at auction by the Moinian Group out of New York. The new owners planned to repurpose the hotel campus by making the rooms into condominiums.
While they waited for investors and permits, the hotel sat vacant for several years.
In 2007, Moinian decided to reopen the hotel so that it would generate some income until they could move forward with the condo project.
New furniture, soft goods, and landscaping were part of a nearly $1 million dollar refurbishment.
It was renamed the Orlando Sun Resort
The owners tried to attract new business by offering DJ dance parties and even boxing matches! These efforts failed.
Guests saw the hotel as grossly outdated and wrote negative reviews on Google about hot water issues, mold in the hotel rooms, and a lackluster pool.
The Orlando Sun Resort closed once again in 2012 and was listed for $74 million.
It was purchased in 2021 by another New York company that took a generous grant from Osceola County to improve the property.
Nothing has been done on the property to date and the old hotel still sits abandoned.
The Orlando Sun Resort website is still active, along with a YouTube channel. They have not been updated since 2012.
The resort was built with a pod design, where rooms were clustered into separate, but connected buildings.
Many of the buildings are octagon shaped. This was considered a futuristic and modern design in the early 1970s.
The complex is so large, it runs along US-192, I-4, and stretches to Osceola Parkway.
The Orlando Sun Resort was a massive complex. At time of opening, it was the largest hotel in Florida.
Orlando Sun Resort entrance 2011
Main restaurant taken in 2012 (credit Booking.com)
(credit Bright Sun Films)
Resort pool in 2012 (credit: Booking.com)
(credit: Abandoned Florida)
(credit: Abandoned Florida)
Convention center in 2012 (credit Google Maps)
(credit Bright Sun Films)
Lobby and reception area (credit Google Maps)
Lobby and reception area today (credit Bright Sun Films)
Standard Room (credit Booking.com)
Standard Room (credit Booking.com)
credit (credit Bright Sun Films)
I highly recommend you watch this documentary by Bright Sun Films, one of my favorite YouTube channels.
I also recommend you explore the stunning photography of the Orlando Sun Resort on Abandonedfl.com
Notice
This hotel is private property, fenced off, and monitored by police and security. “No Trespassing” signs are present.
If you would like to view this hotel from a distance, you can see parts of it from Parkway Blvd in Kissimmee, FL but I encourage you to watch the video instead.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber. He creates vlogs on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. Check out the channel now.
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New Disney World Attraction Announced for 2026
A brand-new animated experience is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026. “The Magic of Disney Animation” will immerse guests in the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios, complete with an indoor playground, reimagined courtyard, and a heartfelt short film inspired by Once Upon a Studio.
Key Points
Disney is debuting a new animated adventure, "The Magic of Disney Animation," at Hollywood Studios in Disney World in 2026.
The attraction is inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and an Emmy Award-winning short film, offering interactive exhibits and family-friendly experiences.
Highlights include a whimsical interpretation of the studio's early days, a short film screening, an all-new indoor playground, and a reimagined Animation Courtyard.
Several existing buildings will be redesigned to align with the new theme, with closures starting from Sept. 25, 2025.
In 2026, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will introduce an exciting new animated experience titled The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction draws inspiration from the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, as well as the acclaimed Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon a Studio.
Located in the building currently home to Star Wars: Launch Bay, guests will be transported into a whimsical reimagining of the studio’s early days. The experience will showcase Disney characters bringing various animation departments to life, providing an immersive look at the creative process behind Disney’s beloved films and shorts.
This new attraction promises to blend nostalgia with innovation, offering fans a unique peek into the magic of Disney animation history while celebrating the artistry and storytelling that have defined the studio for nearly a century.
Portraits will come to life in the Production Gallery, creating an immersive experience that echoes a memorable moment from "Once Upon a Studio." This interactive display allows guests to engage closely with beloved characters in a dynamic setting.
Meanwhile, the Screening Theater offers a short film designed for all ages, promising enjoyment for the entire family. The storytelling captures the magic and creativity behind the scenes, providing insight into the animation process.
Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to learn how to draw some of their favorite characters through guided tutorials. After honing their skills, guests can meet these fan-favorite characters in person, adding a personal touch to their visit and deepening their connection to the world of animation.
Families with younger children will delight in "Drawn to Wonderland," an all-new indoor playground inspired by Mary Blair's iconic concept art for Alice in Wonderland. This vibrant and imaginative play area features an oversized flower garden equipped with musical instruments, encouraging little ones to explore sound and creativity. The whimsical Mad Tea Party playset offers fun climbing and spinning activities, while the Tulgey Wood exploration area invites kids to embark on adventurous discovery through winding paths and playful surprises.
Adjacent to the indoor playground, the Animation Courtyard is being transformed into "The Walt Disney Studios," an inviting outdoor space designed with families
Beginning September 25, 2025, Animation Courtyard, "Star Wars: Launch Bay," and "Disney Jr. Play and Dance!" will close to make way for an exciting transformation. The exteriors of several existing buildings will be reimagined with design elements inspired by iconic architecture found in Burbank, creating a fresh and immersive atmosphere for guests.
While these areas are undergoing changes, visitors can still enjoy "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" and "Walt Disney Presents," ensuring that there are plenty of memorable experiences to enjoy during the transformation period. This reimagining reflects a commitment to enhancing storytelling and guest immersion in the heart of the park.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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10 Ways You Can be Denied Entry at Walt Disney World.
More people than ever are getting turned away at Disney World. Some even get banned. Here’s why!
Disney World Cast Members stop a surprisingly large number of people every day from entering the theme parks. There are 30 prohibited items and behaviors, and Disney has trained employees all over looking for them. Some are simply honest mistakes with an easy fix, others will get you banned from Disney for life. My Name is Darren from OrlandoParksGuy.com, and I’m sharing the top 10 ways you can be denied entry at Walt Disney World.
Man climbs Mayan temple at Epcot - Walt Disney World
10
Most of us could figure out that weapons are not allowed in Disney theme parks. But what about things like pepper spray and pocket knives? Disney Security reports that a small number of firearms are discovered each year at theme park checkpoints. Disney uses sophisticated technology to detect weapons, better than most airports. Now, Florida allows people to carry guns with a license, but you cannot set foot on Disney World property with a weapon of any kind.
Recently, Fox 35 Orlando reported that a man was arrested at Disney's Hollywood Studios after a gun was found in a backpack while going through the theme park's security line.
According to one police report, the 35-year-old man voluntarily placed his bag on a table so it could be inspected by Disney security at the theme park. See, they already knew he had a weapon in his bag because the scanner alerted them. However, when the man opened a zipper, he took the bag off the table and proceeded to ask the woman he was with if she had taken something out of the bag. ‘Did you take it out?” he asked her. Security found a handgun, a magazine, and 13 rounds inside the bag. He did not have a permit to carry that gun and was arrested on the spot.
Security says the vast majority of cases come from confusion about the permit. Disney is private property and has the right to restrict anyone from carrying a weapon. And if you don’t have a permit, you will be placed under arrest by one of the many Orange Country Sherffs standing by.
This also includes ammunition, knives, and pepper spray. Disney does not give second chances and it does not matter that you accidentally left the weapon in your bag. If you have a weapon, you will be banned indefinitely, starting with being escorted off Disney property by police. Oh, and you’ll probably make the news and lots of YouTube videos.
9
While Disney World now sells alcohol, you are not allowed to bring your own into the theme parks. Well, there is one exception, but more on that in a moment. You are free to bring non-alcoholic beverages with you into the parks, such as water, soda, and juice, but they cannot be in a glass bottle. Disney doesn’t want anyone getting hurt if the glass were to break. You are allowed to bring alcohol to your Disney hotel room, but it must be consumed within the room. So you can’t bring it to the pool or public areas.
At the parks, Disney security will confiscate any glass, including bottles and food containers. And if you’re wondering, yes, you are most certainly allowed to bring your food into the parks. But more on this in the #8 block because there are actually some rules you need to follow.
So, what’s the one exception to the no alcohol rule? If you have dinner reservations at Disney Springs, you are allowed to bring your own bottle of wine to the restaurant. However, it must be opened and consumed at the restaurant. If it is already opened when you pass security, you will not be allowed to enter Disney Springs.
8
I got an email from a woman who brought her luggage to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on her checkout day. Her thinking was that she wanted to Uber to the airport right from the theme park rather than leave her bags with Bell Services at her Disney hotel. That would have required her to go back to the hotel to get her bags and leave for the airport from there, taking up valuable time.. But when she arrived at Hollywood Studios, she was denied entry. She didn’t even make it into the security line.
So, this is correct: Disney will not allow you to leave your bags at the theme parks. But there is one possible solution. Epcot and Magic Kingdom have jumbo lockers measuring 17"x 22" x 26" and cost $15. They cannot be reserved in advance. Renting a car might be another option so you can leave your bags in the car and then just return the car at the airport.
Bags, coolers, or backpacks larger than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high are not permitted in the theme parks. That’s pretty small. And the item cannot be pulled behind you like a wagon or cooler.
Speaking of coolers, here’s a little-known rule that gets a lot of people stopped by security. You cannot bring loose ice in the parks. This apparently causes a slip hazard if the ice were to spill. But Disney uses loose ice in beverages, so I’m a little lost on this one. And Disney doesn’t even give you a lid for the cup, which increases the chances that ice will spill on the ground. Also, dry ice is not permitted because, well, it’s dangerous. If you ever saw Nikelodoeon’s Mr. Wizard in the 1980s, you know what can be done with dry ice. Re-usable ice packs are permitted and encouraged.
And what about bringing your own food into the parks? Did you know that Disney will not allow you to bring in food that requires heating, reheating, processing, or refrigeration? And it can not have a pungent odor, so leave the microwaved codfish sandwich at home.
7.
Of course, Disney World is a family-friendly park, but bring the wrong stroller, and you’ll be turned away at the gate. Strollers must not be more than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long. Many double-wide and jogging strollers exceed these dimensions, so you will need to measure before you go.
Keep in mind that strollers need to be folded up on Disney buses and watercraft. If you’re using Disney Skyliner, double strollers and jogging strollers must be folded. My recommendation is to use a light stroller - the smaller, the better- and use multiple smaller strollers over doubles whenever possible. And don’t pack it like you're going on safari. Nothing is more frustrating than watching someone struggle with a stroller to get on a bus while everyone is dying to get inside for the air conditioning. If your stroller has bicycle tires, you’re going to have a hard time getting through crowds, you’ll be running people’s feet over, you won’t be able to fit on narrow walkways and everyone on the bus is going to be rolling their eyes as you struggle to bring it down the aisle. And they seldom fit in doorways. No. Just no on the jogging strollers at Disney.
Wagons are prohibited at all Disney theme parks and water parks. This also includes stroller wagons.
Disney rents approved strollers at each theme park, and several third-party companies rent approved strollers as well. I’ll post a link to my article on stroller rentals here a link on the card at the top of your screen.
6.
Disney World is a place of fantasy, so there are a lot of people who often want to come to the park dressed as their favorite Disney character. Now, Disney does allow guests to dress as their favorite character, however, they may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests. Masks that restrict peripheral vision or those that are scary cannot be worn in the parks.
When you arrive at the theme parks, you’ll see a lot of Cast Members helping guests tap into the parks. But did you know that they are also there scouting out inappropriate clothing? This means no objectionable t-shirts, tattoos, excessively torn clothing, and clothing that drags on the ground.
Just keep in mind that guest safety is a top priority, and the theme parks are a family-friendly environment.
To be sure you’re appropriately dressed for the theme parks, you can check the Disney World website for Park Dress Guidelines. I’ll put a link in the show description below this video.
5
Last year, a cheerleading team was spotted in Epcot sitting down in a fountain at the France pavilion at Epcot. They were told to get out and were trespassed. On several occasions in recent years, fights have broken out in the parks, many of them caught on camera and uploaded to social media. I noticed a lot more flights breaking out in the parks ever since they banned smoking and started selling alcohol, it seems to be a bad combination. One guest was reportedly arrested after hitting a female Cast Member when she attempted to stop him from entering a restaurant. She suspected he was intoxicated or on drugs, according to the police report. At one point, he lifted a pole out of the ground and began swinging it at the Cast Members.
Now, I do want to say these instances are very rare. I hate to even talk about it because I don’t want to give the impression that the parks are unsafe. Disney has very strict guidelines about appropriate behavior in the parks, and there is zero tolerance for people who don’t know how to behave in public.. In the more mild cases, guests may have a conversation with leadership about what is allowed in the parks. In more serious cases, like the guest who climbed the pyramid at the Mexico pavilion, the guest will be trespassed from the parks, which is a legal ban that lasts forever. In instances where there is physical violence or verbal abuse, guests will be arrested and then trespassed from Disney parks.
And here’s a little secret. There are multiple sheriff’s offices on Disney property, including some secret locations right inside the parks. I cannot confirm or deny that one is located on Main Street, USA at the magic kingdom.
Disney’s goal is to make sure everyone has a great time and they are safe. And I think the amazing Cast Members do a great job of that. We love our Cast Members, right?
4
Social media has become a huge part of our lives. And, of course, there are so many things to share in the theme parks. I would be lost without my phone in the parks. But if you try to bring in a selfie stick or tripod, Disney will turn you away at the theme park entrance. The main reason for this is that they can interfere with other guests and they pose a hazard. Before they were banned from the parks, I remember being on Pirates of the Caribbean, and the person in front of me took out their selfie stick and started a FaceTime call. There were reports of people getting poked in the eye with them, and some guests were holding them up over construction walls to get a peek. Tripods and monopods are allowed, but they must fit in a backpack. Just be ready for security to inspect it and review the rules with you.
And just for fun, here are some other items that are banned from the parks: balloons at Animal Kingdom, folding chairs, and bull horns.
3
Make all the jokes you want about flying squirrels and airline nuts, but it was no joke for one woman at Orlando International Airport when she attempted to board a flight with her therapy squirrel in tow. While she had noted on her reservation that she would be bringing an emotional support animal and received TSA clearance, she neglected to inform the airline that her companion was a squirrel. Police eventually had to be called in to handle the disturbance inside the terminal. The woman said her squirrel was trained and very friendly. The airline denied her boarding and refunded her ticket.
Many companies, including airlines and Disney, are cracking down on what types of service animals they allow.
Pets are not allowed in the Disney theme parks, except for bonafide service animals. Service animals are defined as dogs and, I guess, miniature horses. Disney actually says you can bring a miniature horse into the parks! The dogs (and horses) must be trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities to qualify. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed in the parks.
There are several pet-friendly Disney World hotels where you can stay with your dog. These hotels offer amenities such as dog-walking areas and relief areas. The dog-friendly Disney hotels are:
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort
Rooms that are designated as dog-friendly are only assigned to those who have pets. If you don’t have a pet, you won’t ever be assigned a pet-designated room.
Best Friends Pet Care is a kennel located at Disney World where you can leave your pet while you enjoy the parks. Best Friends Pet Care offers a variety of services, including boarding, daycare, and grooming.
If you are planning on bringing your pet to Disney World, be sure to make reservations well in advance.
2
Disney has strict rules about smoking on property and even stricter rules about marijuana. Smoking, including vaping, is not allowed inside any of the Disney World theme parks. There are designated smoking areas just outside each of the parks. This means you will need to exit the park to light up, but you will be allowed back in, of course.
All Disney World hotels are smoke-free except in designated areas. 100% of Disney’s rooms are non-smoking, and Disney will impose a $500 fine if you ignore the rule. Smoking is also banned from hotel balconies.
Guests are not allowed to possess or smoke illegal substances, including marijuana, while on Disney property. This also includes marijuana that was purchased legally and medical marijuana.
Cast Members are trained to report anyone who smells like marijuana and deny them entry into the theme parks. Security is notified immediately, and they will instruct the guest on what they need to do.
According to an Orange County Sheriff, Disney trespasses about 70 people per day for not following the rules or breaking the law while on property. Most of this is handled discreetly so that other guests don't even know these things are going on.
1
We’ve all been in a hotel where someone in the hall is extremely loud, especially late at night when everyone is sleeping. And let me just say that it’s important to remember not to let the doors slam; just hold it so it doesn’t bother all your neighbors. Shouting down the hallway at your kid who forgot something in the room is not very considerate, either. Fortunately, Disney World has an official policy to handle noisy guests in the hotels. Each night, quiet hours begin at 11:00 PM and last through 7:00 AM. This means you need to keep the volume on your TV down, you can’t play loud music, and you shouldn’t have a late-night gathering in your room.
Rooms that have connecting doors are especially noisy at Disney. They have recently cracked down on late-night noise at the All-Star Resorts in particular, as youth groups often stay here for various competitions.
Which of these surprised you the most? What do you agree or disagree with?
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Soarin’ at Epcot Closed from Broken Water Pipe
Broken water pipe causes flood inside The Land pavilion at EPCOT
At around 1 pm on January 3, 2025 Cast Members working the entrance of Soarin’ Around the World noticed water dripping from the ceiling, inside The Land pavilion at Epcot. Water suddenly began pouring down from the ceiling causing a flood on the floor between the entrance and exit areas. Custodial Cast Members appeared to spawn from thin air with towels and began containing the water as best they could.
Guests who were exiting the attraction were instructed to walk around the water while those who wanted to enter the queue were turned away.
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Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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